The Benefits of Assisted Living for Those With Disabilities
Living with a disability can create serious challenges, especially for seniors. With support, disabled seniors can continue to live independent and fulfilling lives. However, not everyone has others living in their home that can help, and many people prefer not to rely on family caregivers. Assisted living provides an excellent alternative.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is one of the best senior living options for people with disabilities. These communities combine tailored support services with private rooms to offer the best of both worlds. Disabled seniors can get help with everything from basic activities of daily living (ADLs) to housework, meal preparation, and transportation so that instead of struggling to get by, they can truly thrive.
Who Is Assisted Living For?
With assisted living in Culver City, CA, seniors with disabilities can get the care they need to live well and maintain a sense of independence. Assisted living communities are great options for people who need help with daily tasks. Staff is available 24/7 to help residents with:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Toileting
- Eating
- Medication management
Most residents of assisted living communities are already in need of one or more supportive services. However, some seniors prefer to move into an assisted living community while they are still able to live independently but anticipate heightened needs in the near future. Many communities have programs designed to help seniors transition to more comprehensive care plans, and it’s often easier to do so in the comfort of a familiar home than it is to move to a new apartment at the same time.
How Assisted Living Communities Help Disabled Residents
Moving to assisted living gives disabled seniors more than just access to staff members who can help them with key ADLs. Everything about these communities is designed to create a real home for seniors who struggle with disabilities where they can feel safe, comfortable, and fully engaged with life. The rooms are all wheelchair-accessible, and mobility aids are already included in each private bathroom, but creating a welcoming community is about more than just personal safety.
Residents in assisted living are part of a community. They enjoy fun activities, outings, fitness groups, and other chances for socialization, plus three meals a day served in restaurant-style dining rooms. Housekeeping, laundry services, and scheduled transportation are all available, and trained staff members are on-hand around the clock to meet residents’ specific needs.
Instead of spending time struggling to perform frustrating chores like cleaning, home maintenance, shopping, and meal preparation, seniors in assisted living can spend their time in more enjoyable pursuits. The nutritionists and culinary staff in well-respected assisted living communities are happy to provide delicious, nutritious meals that follow dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor, and snack and beverage services may be available, as well.
Finally, some assisted living communities are now offering memory care services for residents who struggle with cognitive disabilities. These specialized communities are designed to provide not just practical assistance but also targeted care for dementia seniors struggling with memory impairment.
The Intangible Benefits of Assisted Living
The tangible benefits of moving to assisted living are clear. Disabled residents can get all of the help they need in a respectful, supportive environment, all without having to rely on family caregivers. Residents receive meals, transportation, housekeeping, and many other amenities.
The intangible benefits of moving to assisted living are arguably even greater, though. Moving into assisted living means getting the opportunity to regain a level of independence that disabled seniors often feel they have lost. This, in turn, can foster healthier relationships with family members and improve seniors’ moods. Plus, moving into assisted living means becoming a part of a vibrant community of other seniors with similar lifestyles and priorities.
Seniors who are used to living at home alone are often hesitant to make the move to assisted living communities because they’re afraid it will mean giving up their independence. What they don’t realize is that exactly the opposite is true. Residents of these communities maintain private apartments and independent lives and typically report mood improvements after settling in thanks to increased opportunities for socializing and a renewed sense of belonging.
Find the Perfect Balance
Developing a disability doesn’t mean having to live a life of austerity or giving up on dreams of an enjoyable, fun-filled retirement. Seniors with disabilities can find the perfect balance of assistance with daily activities and the independence to continue living their own fulfilling lives at Terraza Court. We offer both private and semi-private residences for seniors of all ability levels. Take a virtual tour online or call (310) 838-7800 to learn about our community.
